Algae, or seaweed, extracts are widely used in cosmetic products, especially in moisturizers. Algae extracts are said to restore normal moisture to the skin and increase suppleness of the skin. Scientific research agrees with the use of algae extracts in skin care products. Let’s take a closer look.
Benefits of algae extracts
Studies have found different algae extracts having the following benefits for the skin:
- Kills P. Acnes bacteria. A Japanese study found that a compound in marine algae completely killed P. Acnes bacteria when applied to the skin [1].
- Strongly antioxidant. Algae extracts contain compounds that are strongly anti-inflammatory [2].
- Protects against damage. Party due to its antioxidant properties algae extracts have been found to protect the skin from excessive sunlight, pollution and other forms of damage [2], [3], [4], [5].
- Anti-aging. Again probably due to its antioxidant potential algae extracts have been found to reduce wrinkles and other forms for aging [6].
One negative side with algae extract is that it’s possibly comedogenic, that is it can block skin pores. However, this can be prevented with correct formulation.
Algae extract is used in the following products:
Sources:
- [1] The novel anti-Propionibacterium acnes compound, Sargafuran, found in the marine brown alga Sargassum macrocarpum.
- [2] The use of ozone as an oxidizing agent to evaluate antioxidant activities of natural substrates.
- [3] Algae extract-mediated stimulation and protection of proteasome activity within human keratinocytes exposed to UVA and UVB irradiation.
- [4] Potential protective effect of fresh grown unicellular green algae component (resilient factor) against PMA- and UVB-induced MMP1 expression in skin fibroblasts.
- [5] Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum.
- [6] The inhibition of metalloproteinases by Macrocystis pyrifera extract.